Social media users across the political spectrum praised United States (US) Vice President JD Vance on Thursday after he publicly rebuked Israeli cabinet members for attacking President Donald Trump over the Iran deal with many calling it long overdue.
Vance, speaking at a White House news briefing, warned Israeli cabinet members against attacking the only ally Israel has. “If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” he told reporters.
He also reminded Israeli critics that two-thirds of the defensive weapons protecting Israel had been “built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars” a reference to the roughly four billion dollars in annual US military assistance Israel receives.
The remarks drew widespread praise online, cutting across ideological lines. “WOW! JD Vance is directly calling out Israeli cabinet members for their personal attacks on President Trump,” one user wrote. Another said, “This is so refreshing. Thank you VP”.
Even those who expressed dislike for the administration acknowledged the remarks. “I hate this administration but credit where credit is due, this is what I want to hear. Tell them to eat shit. Remind them of their place,” one user wrote.
Another added, “I may not like JD Vance and he has a lot to answer for, but he’s right. Israel better behave or they will find themselves alone”.
Vance’s rebuke came after reports that Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu was fuming over the Iran deal, which critics in both the US and Israel have slammed for failing to curb Iran’s missile programme and providing no clear path to dismantling its nuclear facilities.
The deal also constrains Israel in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Israel in recent weeks, spiking tensions nearly four months after the two countries partnered to strike Iran. The war had roiled global markets and oil supplies after Tehran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Vance said that Trump remained Israel’s only sympathetic head of state in the entire world and that anyone in Israel who believed their biggest problem was the US president needed to “wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in”.
